Relics by Pink Floyd (CD, Aug-1996, Capitol/EMI Records)

i didnt know a band could fit all the instruments on this CD?! LOL no really this is one of the best cds ive heard in years

"Relics" is an odd little compilation. The works included are a mishmash of the early years of Pink Floyd, sampling their earliest singles, a few tracks from their first album, one from their second, and a couple from the soundtrack they produced for the art film "More".

The albums tracks, with the exception of "Interstellar Overdrive" and "Bike" (both by Syd Barrett and both from the "Piper at the Gates of Dawn" debut album) are so so. Mostly, they seem to express the uncertainty of the direction the band intended to go in following Barrett's decline between the first and second albums. They are not bad songs, by any stretch, but they are not Floyd at their best. What shines through on this collection though are the singles and unreleased tracks which make up the bulk of the listing. The irreverent and psychedelic "Arnold Layne" and "See Emily Play" show case the best of the early band, even if their free-flow style is slightly subdued due to the constraints of the 3 minute single. "Paintbox", "Julia Dream", and "Biding My Time" are all very nice, even if they suffer slightly from the same lack of direction as the album tracks. "Careful With That Axe, Eugene" is Floyd at their instrumental best and showcases one of the earliest examples of the trademark Waters Scream which would later be put to memorable use on "Animals" and "The Wall".

Is the album essential? Perhaps not, but many of the individual tracks are. If you can find a reasonably priced copy, even used, it's a sound purchase for even the most casual Pink Floyd fan. "Arnold Layne" and "See Emily Play" make it an essential find for any Barrett disciple. I cannot stress enough though that this is the very earliest incarnation of the band. If you are a casual listener who's hoping for more of "Dark Side of the Moon", "Wish You Were Here", or even "Meddle" you will probably be disappointed. However, if you want something a little jazzy with a smooth psychedelia hovering gently over it this is definitely an album for you.

**** out of 5 stars

An American release of songs from the first three albums, plus singles (not on an album till then) such as "Arnold Lang" and "See Emily Play". This is a must for any Pink Floyd fan or anyone interested in the psychedelic era. The down side? There should have been more songs on this album.

Relics is a fantastic collection of mostly Syd/Floyd songs from the 60's. This is not so much of a "Best Of" as it is a cool mix of songs that kind of belong together. I always like it when a band takes some of their songs and puts them in a little different order than we're used to. Kind of reminds me of what The Residents did with the Heaven? and Hell! CDs. It keeps the music fresh. If you love Piper, you should probably own this one. 5 Stars.

Mesmerizing, ethylic, sexy & downright hypnotic; I love Relics. The sound is grand; the songs are classic Pink Floyd. This is the reason why I'm a Pink Floyd loyalist; I'm never disappointed...

this stuff is really old. like old WHO stuff (the who sell out, a quick one). like pop rock. still good tho